Code Enforcement

The city has adopted codes and policies that govern the use and maintenance of private property. Code enforcement officers strive to maintain a balanced role in promoting active cooperation and communication between neighbors and effective enforcement of the City of Carlsbad's municipal codes.

If you have received a citation and would like to appeal the citation, you will need to complete the appeal form. If you feel you are unable to pay the citation due to a hardship, you must complete the hardship form.

The city does not handle neighbor disputes or civil problems that do not violate public law. For instance, a neighbor's tree may drop leaves in an adjoining yard, or cause damage to a fence or other structure. These types of situations are a private matter between the two property owners, and the city has no jurisdiction. Also, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are not enforced by the city.

The City of Carlsbad provides a mediation program free to its residents. Mediation is a confidential meeting between people who have a disagreement and a trained, neutral mediator who guides a discussion of issues toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Cases may be self-referred by any Carlsbad resident who is involved in the dispute by calling 760-434-2868.

The City Council recently approved an ordinance to amend the Carlsbad Municipal Code by adding Chapter 5.60 regarding the Short-term Vacation Rentals.

To obtain further information regarding what is not a code violation, please call 760-602-2703 during the department's regular business hours.

Code Enforcement is responsible for implementing all city ordinances. The division works with such issues as construction without a permit, junk and debris on private property, recreational and inoperable vehicles that are located in the required front yard setbacks, as well as infractions of other municipal codes implemented by the city.

A code officer will start the investigation within 24 business hours. Depending on the type of violation, contact with owner and/or tenant, time frames will vary for a resolution. However, Code Enforcement will make every effort possible to obtain compliance as soon as possible.

Many issues that arise between neighbors are not necessarily a violation of a city ordinance. For instance, leaves dropping into a yard from a neighbor's tree or damage to a fence are not violations of public law. Division staff strongly encourages neighbors to contact each other and try to resolve differences before filing a formal complaint with the city's Code Enforcement office. For further information about what does, and does not, constitute a code violation, please call 760-602-2703 during regular business hours or click on the Neighborhood Preservation tab above.

A person must provide his or her name, address and telephone number in order to file a complaint. This personal information will be kept confidential and allows the officer to provide updates on the progress of the case and to obtain additional information if necessary.

To register a complaint via email send to codecompliance@carlsbadca.gov or come to the city offices at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008. You can also call in a complaint at 760-602-2703.

Please note: Name, address and phone number of the complainant are required to investigate a complaint.

In general, the city acts on behalf of the public at large - it does not take action on behalf of one resident against another. In other words, the city does not handle neighbor disputes or civil problems that do not violate public law. These types of situations are a private matter between the two property owners, and the city has no jurisdiction. Also, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are not enforced by the city. Mediation services such as the nonprofit North County Lifeline and San Diego Mediation Center can be helpful in resolving disputes, Additional information can be found on their websites at www.nclifeline.org or www.ncrconline.com.

For further information about code violations, please call 760-602-2703 during regular business hours.

A building permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure, including electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. To determine if the work requires a permit, call the building counter during regular business hours at 760-602-2717 or 760-602-2718. Another source of information is the Carlsbad Municipal Code CMC 18.04.015.

The City of Carlsbad requires all businesses that wish to commence, carry on, or engage in any business, either permanently or temporarily, within the corporate limits of the city to have a valid license. Please read the questions and answers (Q&A) and important information for new businesses prior to applying for a business license or contact the Finance Department at 760-602-2495.

A vehicle may be parked on a public street for 72 hours. Cars parked longer than 72 hours are subject to citations and towing at the owner's expense. To report an abandoned vehicle please call 760-931-2289. For additional information call the Police Department, Traffic Division at 760-931-2106.

No. Inoperable, wrecked or dismantled vehicles may not be parked/stored in the driveway. However, no more than two inoperable vehicles may be parked in the rear or side yard while being repaired or restored, provided they are screened from the public right-of-way. For more information regarding inoperable vehicles please see Carlsbad Municipal Code 21.44.060(3).

The City of Carlsbad contracts for animal control services through the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services. The County of San Diego Department of Animal Dog Services provides dog licensing and animal control services not only for the City of Carlsbad but also for the cities of Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee and Solana Beach, as well as for the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

If it appears a dog is barking because it is suffering or is in distress, contact the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services North County emergency number at 760-438-1460. If the dog (or other animal) does not appear to be in distress, complaints about barking or other animal noise in the City of Carlsbad may be reported to 760-438-2312.

Yes, dogs must be restrained by a hand-held leash, no longer than 6 feet in length. For more information on animal restraints please call the San Diego County Animal Services at 858-694-3900, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No, the city does not have any testing equipment to verify if the mold is hazardous. All mold complaints should be reported to San Diego County Health Department at 858-505-6903 or for further information the website is www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

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